Red

35. Breaking Point

y'all and your conspiracies are cracking me up😂 all the pregnancy comments in the last chapter had me thinking about the youtube video that guy made about the people misspelling pregnant—which i will put above ^^ the way he says the words are so freaking funny lmao if you haven't seen it WATCH IT NOW before you read the chapter, okay? okay.

and no, i am not answering that ONE question everyone wants answered. you'll just have to see what happens!! 😉

*in julie chen's voice* "expect the unexpected"

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I stood in Rome's bed chambers, the moon graciously spilling in soft light from outside. It illuminated the vacant bed before me, the canopy drawn back to reveal an unmade bed and scattered pillows.

Despite me dreaming, it felt so real. I supposed it technically was, since I had been here before in a dream, and Rome was real. The amulet he had given me had been real.

     "Scarlett," A familiar voice breathed behind me, causing my spine to tingle in anticipation. I expected him to touch me, to turn me around and draw me into his arms. But he did not.

     Spinning on my heels, I survey the man before me.

     To say I was concerned would be an understatement.

     "What happened to you?" I breathe, taking in the gaunt appearance of my mate. His eyes were dull, the green of his irises a mossy color. His red-auburn hair was disheveled across his forehead and only made him seem more... Desperate. Worried.

     "I-I don't know," It was the first time I had ever heard him stutter on words. A part of my gut twisted painfully into a knot and I drew my brows close in concern. "The lack of you around has affected me."

     "Why?"

     He shrugged, and it was then I noticed the sharp edge of his collarbones jutting out beneath the fabric of his shirt at the movement. "The only reason I could see being logical is that we now share energy through our bond as we've joined, and without each other it's lacking."

     Despite my sickness, I wasn't physically looking any different like him, so...

"Then why do I not feel any different? Why would it just be you?"

His eyes flicked over the amulet at my throat. "The amulet is keeping you safe and out of harms way. It's full potential is unknown to me, but I would assume it can also protect your health to an extent."

"I suppose that makes sense," My fingers curl around the silver binding it together and I slowly lift it away from my neck. "If that's the case, then please, take it."

"No," Rome darts forward, placing a gentle hand over mine and refusing my offer. "Keep it for yourself. I'll be fine."

     "You don't look that great," The comment wasn't made to sound rude, but concerned. Because I was concerned for him. Especially when I was so far away and unable to reach him. "Are you sure you don't want to take it?"

"Scarlett, you're in unknown territory with people you hardly know besides Viana, and I'm in my own kingdom. I'd rather you keep it on your person."

     Swallowing a lump in my throat, I release the chain and let the amulet fall back against my chest. "Alright, fine."

He smiles, but it looks like a wince. "So you got there safely?"

     "Yeah, a few hours before we finally settled in to sleep."

     "The brothers... what are they like? Are they kind to you and Viana?" Rome asks.